Schiehallion is one of the most important mountains in scientific and cartographic history, yet few people know of its importance. The huge whale back of Schiehallion was used in an experiment in the 18th Century to calculate the mass of the Earth, and as part of this experiment, was the first place in the world to record the use of contour lines on a map, something we now take for granted.
The mountain itself stands in wonderful isolation in the central Highlands, not connected to any other major summit in the region, giving wonderful 360 degree views of the surrounding lochs, glens and mountains.
The mountain itself stands in wonderful isolation in the central Highlands, not connected to any other major summit in the region, giving wonderful 360 degree views of the surrounding lochs, glens and mountains.
The ascent of Schiehallion begins from the Forestry Commission car park at the Braes of Foss, approximately 2.5 miles West of Loch Kinardochy. From the car park we initially head out South West across the open heather moorland which surrounds Schiehallion. As we slowly gain altitude we pass a number of historic sheep corrals which dot the Scottish Highlands until we reach the base of the eastern ridge of the mountain.
Our route starts to steepen a little from here as we begin to climb the mountain proper. Leaving the open moorland behind we start to see more of a rocky character emerge on the mountain, with vegetation becoming a little more sparse as low shrubs and patches of bog loving plants taking hold between the rocky outcrops. And within these patches of greenery on the flanks of Schiehallion, Cloudberries, one of our favourite wild berries can be found in mid to late summer. A relic of more arctic climates, and more commonly found in Scandinavia, Cloudberries grow on some of the high mountains across Scotland. If you're lucky enough to join us when they are fruiting, be sure to try these sweet little berries.
Climbing further up the eastern ridge of Schiehallion, the vegetation gives way to rocky outcrops almost entirely, with the upper portion of the mountain having real 'mountainous', almost alpine feel. Upon reaching the summit the 360 degree views come in to their own. On a clear day you can see tens of miles in all directions, with countless lochs, lochans and mountains visible. Searching around the summit you may also find a variety of Celtic symbols carved in to the rocks.
The return journey takes us back down the eastern ridge, progressively getting greener as we go all the way back to the Braes of Foss car park.
Our route starts to steepen a little from here as we begin to climb the mountain proper. Leaving the open moorland behind we start to see more of a rocky character emerge on the mountain, with vegetation becoming a little more sparse as low shrubs and patches of bog loving plants taking hold between the rocky outcrops. And within these patches of greenery on the flanks of Schiehallion, Cloudberries, one of our favourite wild berries can be found in mid to late summer. A relic of more arctic climates, and more commonly found in Scandinavia, Cloudberries grow on some of the high mountains across Scotland. If you're lucky enough to join us when they are fruiting, be sure to try these sweet little berries.
Climbing further up the eastern ridge of Schiehallion, the vegetation gives way to rocky outcrops almost entirely, with the upper portion of the mountain having real 'mountainous', almost alpine feel. Upon reaching the summit the 360 degree views come in to their own. On a clear day you can see tens of miles in all directions, with countless lochs, lochans and mountains visible. Searching around the summit you may also find a variety of Celtic symbols carved in to the rocks.
The return journey takes us back down the eastern ridge, progressively getting greener as we go all the way back to the Braes of Foss car park.
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Key Information: Group Size: Up to 8 Distance: 11km/6.5 miles. Ascent: 700m Time: 4-6 hours |
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Price:
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
Included in the Cost:
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
- 1 Person = £130
- 2 People = £150
- 3 People = £170, etc...
Included in the Cost:
- Full days guidance by a qualified Mountain Leader,
- Waterproof map of the area for each attendee,
- Group access to any photos taken during the day.
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
If there are any other walks you are interested in, please don't hesitate to Contact Us to discuss your requirements.
Payments are to be ideally made via Direct Brank Transfer or Paypal.
* There is 10% non-refundable deposit included within the stated prices to cover costs incurred upon unforced cancellation.
For full details please see Terms & Conditions.